gildedlife: (41)
James Fitzjames ([personal profile] gildedlife) wrote in [community profile] singillatim 2024-09-15 12:23 am (UTC)

Good. That is the answer he'd wanted regarding the lieutenants, both for their sake--of course he doesn't want any of them at risk of being shot with an arrow--and because it means he doesn't have to muster up any righteous anger about the potential danger to them. The flare of his temper has fully faded by now, though he doesn't need to be actually angry to be holding a bit of a grudge.

He isn't completely sure if Raju's suggestion to stoke the fire is a genuine attempt to make him more comfortable or it's something of a jab, but either way, he appreciates Francis smoothing that over. Not only is James just always cold now, the shirt he's wearing under his coat is covered in mostly-old blood stains, and he has no intention of letting a near-stranger--anyone, not just Raju specifically--see that proof of weakness.

James is quiet while Francis speaks, mostly watching his first's face but paying attention to his posture and body language at the same time, and as Francis continues James lets the last of his irritation slowly fade out. Of course Raju had been... Overprotective, perhaps, if he and Francis are close enough to be living together and he'd seen the aftermath of a near-fatal confrontation with Hickey. Everyone is simply on edge, and with very good reason.

It's also more than clear enough that Francis is making a valiant attempt at mediating in the hopes that this can be smoothed over, and that would've been enough in itself. If this is that important to him, then James will trust his judgement.

"I might've earlier, had you provided better directions." The quip is delivered with hint of dry humor, voice quieter as James allows the fake tone to drop out of it, and he mirrors the small, soft smile Francis gives him.

He lets the expression remain as he glances toward Raju, and although a little of his forced-casual tone returns, it isn't pointed this time; he's simply trying to make light of the situation, attempting to extend an olive branch. "And I expect something of a warmer welcome next time."

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